What is Samuama?
Some beliefs say that Samaúma is the seat of the spirits that live in the forest. It is also commonly known as the “Tree of Life” and “Ladder of Heaven”, creating a connection between Heaven and Earth. For these reasons, it is a medicine that can provide a very strong spiritual connection and protection.
What is kapok tree used for?
Called Kapok in Asia, the fibers are used for insulation, padding in sleeping bags and life preservers, and for stuffing mattresses and pillows. In Puerto Rico the tree was often planted in the center of plazas for shade, and it is considered a valuable honey tree.
Where is the bombax tree from?
Bombax is a genus of mainly tropical trees in the mallow family. They are native to western Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the subtropical regions of East Asia and northern Australia. It is distinguished from the genus Ceiba, which has whiter flowers.
What is the tree of Puerto Rico?
ceiba
The official tree of Puerto Rico is the ceiba, also called silk-cotton tree or kapok tree. Often the tallest tree in the forest, the ceiba attains heights of 150 feet and has a ridged columnar trunk and a massive umbrella-shaped canopy.
What does the kapok tree produce?
Fruit of kapok tree is light green, woody, smooth pod filled with 200 brown seed. Each tree produces 500 to 4.000 pods per season. Seed pods are filled with fluffy, yellowish fibers which facilitate dispersal of seed by wind. Kapok tree provides food and shelter for many species of monkeys, birds, frogs and insects.
Is kapok still used?
Kapok’s qualities have made it popular for filling pillows, upholstery, and even life preservers, but its use has dramatically declined since the introduction of synthetic polyester/polyurethane foams. Kapok filling is currently experiencing a small revival thanks to its all-natural characteristics.
What is the meaning of bombax?
1 capitalized : a large genus of trees (family Bombacaceae) chiefly of South America, a few of India, and one of Africa having digitate leaves and showy white or scarlet flowers — compare ceiba. 2 plural -es : any tree of the genus Bombax.
What is the family name of bombax?
Bombacaceae
Bombax/Family
What is the oldest tree in Puerto Rico?
El Ceiba
El Ceiba, the oldest tree in PR, dating back to Christopher Columbus – Picture of Ceiba, Puerto Rico.
What are the red trees in Puerto Rico called?
You will see images of the flamboyant in much of the local art and souvenirs when in Puerto Rico. The Flamboyan is actually spelled Flamboyant, and is also known as Royal Poinciana, Flame Tree, Peacock Flower, and Gulmohar. It produces large, fiery red or golden blooms that blossom from spring through summer.
Where is the kapok tree?
Kapok tree, also known as ceiba tree, is deciduous tree that belongs to the mallow family. It originates from Central and South America, but it can be found in West Africa and Southeast Asia today. Kapok tree grows in tropical rainforests.
What adaptations do kapok trees have?
Behavioral Adaptation: White and pink flowers make an odor that attracts bats, which, when moving from flower to flower, facilitate the pollen. The kapok towers over the other trees.